Over 265,000 pints of Guinness were drunk at the Cheltenham Festival in 2016

Altior is following a similar path. He won all five of his hurdles starts last season, including the Supreme on this day 12 months ago.

He’s taken really well to fences and his jumping was slick when easily brushing aside Champion Chase hope Fox Norton at Newbury last month. His earlier Sandown defeat of Charbel shows how far clear he is today.

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Charbel’s trainer Kim Bailey is in much better form now but it would still be a big surprise if he was able to get much closer than the six lengths he was beaten.

Royal Caviar could be the best forecast bet. He jumped really well when successful on his chasing debut so it was disappointing to see him crash out with the race at his mercy last time.

Forest Bihan saw off Cloudy Dream at Doncaster in January but I reckon third-placed A Hare Breath might reverse that form. He was getting weight from the first two but today’s likely fast pace will suit him well.

Previous Arkle Chase Winners

2016 Douvan

2015 Un De Sceaux

2014 Western Warhorse

2013 Simonsig

2012 Sprinter Sacre

2011 Captain Chris

2010 Sizing Europe

2009 Forpadydeplasterer

2008 Tidal Bay

2007 My Way de Solzen

2006 Voy Por Ustedes

2005 Contraband

2004 Well Chief

2003 Azertyuiop

2002 Moscow Flyer

2000 Tiutchev

1999 Flagship Uberalles

1998 Champleve

Matt Chapman’s tip for the Arkle

There is no doubt ALTIOR will hack up for Nicky Henderson and Nico de Boinville — well he’ll hack up as long as he doesn’t fall over.